James O'Connor joined London Irish after his Wallabies contract was terminated last year. Photo: Getty Images

“Since the age of 18 he’s lived in a goldfish bowl in Australia. He’s been the golden-haired boy and everyone’s made comments on his every move. Not every young bloke makes all the right moves but, since he’s been here [in London], he hasn’t put a foot out of line,” Smith said.

For O’Connor to play in next year’s World Cup he will need to return to Australia and find a Super Rugby franchise. At this stage the struggling Queensland Reds are the only Australian team to have expressed an interest.

Smith says O’Connor’s impending return will see the utility back reach the 100 Test mark for the Wallabies.

“He’s an international player and he should be playing international rugby,” Smith said. “He’s only 23 years old and he has the potential to go on and get another 100 Tests for Australia. He could be right up there as one of the most capped players of all time.

“He’s back on the horse now and he’s kept his nose clean. He’s behaved himself and he’s demonstrated to the national coaches that he can do that. Now he needs to find an Aussie province and work his way back into the team. There are a lot of young talented players and it’s very competitive. But he’s a quality player and I think he’s done enough. He’s grown up a lot over the last few months.”

O’Connor, who has played 44 Tests for the Wallabies, will turn out for Toulon in France’s Top 14 competition next season before returning to Australia at the beginning of next year.